Advice and Comments

[JCrane]

I am planning to take my girlfriend for an evening meal for two during our visit to Epcot, mainly down to the array of choices and different setting in which to eat...

From previous experience, I know of the ambience of the San Angel Inn inside the pavillion in Mexico. As lovely as the setting was, I found the meal to be a little disappointing and quite over-priced (which, of course, you become accustomed to at the World!). Having said that, I'm willing to afford it a second chance for the atmosphere alone...very romantic I'm sure you all agree.

I've also heard a lot of positive things about the Coral Reef restaurant in the Living Seas pavillion. A friend one mine dined their with his family some years ago and, from what he can remember, was a thoroughly enjoyable experience eating amongst the creatures of the deep.

I'm just looking for any comments or advice on the two chosen eateries, or even some more recommendations for potential places for a quiet, romantic, enjoyable dining experience in the world. Also, would I need to make reservations in advance? I'll be at Disney in October-November, therefore a little quieter and I did just walk in to the San Angel Inn on my last visit...

Thanks guys...

 

[coltow]

The Coral Reef is very nice, especially if you like seafood. We always try to have dinner at Le Cellier in Canada. We also like to eat in UK and Italy, but those resaurants are not a romantic. I understand that Chefs of France is great for romance too, though I've never been there. Mexico is nice but if you're down to there or Coral Reef I'd choose Coral Reef.

 

[Shellybelle]

I would choose LeCellier (Canada). The food is delicious, it has a dark atmostphere...I think it's supposed to look like a wine cellar. Great overall.

 

[JCrane]

Thanks guys...I had heard a few things about Le Celier too...but apologies in advance for any offence caused...Canada? Romance? Are we sure?

I'm not torn between just those two...just like the settings more than anything!

 

[DisneyBunny]

We too were less than thrilled at the San Angel when we dined there last September.

Now, you don't say whether you're on the Dining Plan or not, and that affects my advice a bit. My DH and I had an enjoyable dinner at the Coral Reef on the DDP, but I wouldn't reccommend it to anyone paying out of pocket. Way too expensive for what you get. But if you're on the plan, you might want to consider giving it a shot. (I've got a review and pictures in the link in my signature if you're interested)

For romance, we found eating dinner while watching Illuminations in the Rose and Crown to be quite nice, as well as the small intimate setting of Le Cellier. Both are quite nice, value-wise, if you're paying out of pocket. You get what you pay for, which is nice.

As for advance reservations - make them as soon as you can. It's becoming less and less common to find walk-ins accepted especially at World Showcase eateries. If you're considering Le Cellier, book ASAP! It's a smaller dining room, is quite popular, and fills up fast, even in the off season!

Good luck, and happy eating! :wave:

 

[JCrane]

No, I'm not on the dining plan...in fact, this occasional visitor from the UK doesn't really know what the dining plan is!! Ha Ha...:veryconfu

I last ate at the San Angel Inn back in 2001 and I think a meal for two came to over $60 which isn't terribly expensive, just happened to be a lot for what we had and the quality of the food too.

It would seem Le Celier is winning hands down so far...I shall probably have a bit of a re-think. Thanks guys...this is all helping very much!!

 

[DisneyBunny]

No, I'm not on the dining plan...in fact, this occasional visitor from the UK doesn't really know what the dining plan is!! Ha Ha...:veryconfu

I last ate at the San Angel Inn back in 2001 and I think a meal for two came to over $60 which isn't terribly expensive, just happened to be a lot for what we had and the quality of the food too.

It would seem Le Celier is winning hands down so far...I shall probably have a bit of a re-think. Thanks guys...this is all helping very much!!

If you'd like more information on the Dining plan, here's a PDF explaining it. The pros and cons of the plan have been discussed ad nauseum around here, and a search would bring you dozens of threads that discuss it.

Personally, I think it's a wonderful deal! We'd never go without it again!

 

[yazmin182]

Def. consider looking into the Dining Plan! Once you use it, you will never go back to Disney without it. It's amazing!

And if you're looking for romance, Les Chefs De France is def. my top choice. Especially in the evening, it feels like you're walking in the streets of Paris, and if you sit next to the window, it's even better. The menu is amazing, especially if you have the DDP, it's a great deal.

And they have the best desserts.

I also love Le Cellier cuz i'm Canadian but I think Chefs De France is def. more romantic.

 

[tigsmom]

I love a cozy, quiet table at Restaurant Marrakesh.

 

[Dagger]

I had lunch in Mexico in 2003 and I thought it was very romantic!

 

[BRER STITCH]

I'd like to suggest that you walk right out the back entrance of EPOCT and over to the Boardwalk area. It's a nice relaxing walk with lots of stuff to see!

You can have a nice dinner, then a nice boat ride around the Boardwalk area before heading back to EPCOT for the fireworks show.

I'd suggest a nice table for 2 at either the Yachtsman Steakhouse or at Spoodles.

In my opinion, it's hard to expect the park restaurants to offer a romantic atmosphere with so many families using the dining plan to try new places. Choosing a place that's not quite as convenient might yield more promising results.

GOOD LUCK!!!

:wave:

OOPS! I forgot to suggest The Flying Fish, which is also a great place to dine on the Boardwalk!!!

 

[shoppingnut]

If I wanted to eat fish, I would choose Flying Fish in the Boardwalk hotel, I was very disappointed in the food and service at Coral Reef a few years ago. As far as San Angel Inn is concerned, I've had better food at Chevy's and Taco Bell, I don't think it's that great and it's a shame because the atmosphere is so nice.

My favorite restaurants are Chef de France and Le Cellier, the food and service are excellent and the price you pay is worth it. I've never walked out of either place thinking that was an expensive meal, just that it was a really good meal, so the price was justified. Yachtsman is great, but a bit on the pricey side. Here is a linke to the menu's for the restaurants with their prices to give you a better sense. http://www.allearsnet.com/din/dining.htm

 

[gatordoc]

Lots of good suggestions, but let me just put in a vote for Bistro de Paris. Fewer kids and less bustling than Chefs de France, with a more intimate, romantic atmosphere. And the food is excellent, too!

 

[maelstrom]

We ate at Alfredo's in Italy yesterday and it was not worth the money. *Very* small portions. It was also very noisy.

 

[MKCP 1985]

If you are looking for a romantic dinner and don't want to over-pay for Mexican or Italian food, you should consider either of the French restaurants.

Both offer cozy intimate dining opportunities, and when you overpay, well . . . it is French - so people have to overpay for French almost anywhere they go.

Seriously, check out the menus - I don't think you can go wrong with either Chefs or the Bistro.

Some contra-indications to some others:

Morocco: Does your girl feel threatened by the Belly Dancer?

Coral Reef: Does seeing the swimming fish detract from eating what is on your plate? Awww. . . there's Flounder!

Mexico: That same dish can probably be had on International Drive for $6.99

Germany and Japan: Communal dining = not so intimate

Great Britain: pub grub. Fine for many, but some want to go a little more upscale.

I'll stop there. I'm really not a basher. I have eaten at all of these, save Coral Reef, and have had a good time.